Marc Forster (Master 2008) could bring an end to the daily tragedies affecting young parents: the loss of cuddly toys!
Before launching the manufacture and sale of Oliba, the “smart owl connected to cuddly toys”, our EDHEC graduate is launching a crowdfunding campaign, and then it’s on to Las Vegas, where he will be presenting his concept.
EDHEC Alumni: Can you explain briefly how Oliba came about?
Marc Foster: Oliba is a little owl that can be attached to cuddly toys with a universal clip system. Via a smartphone application, parents can find the toy and download lullabies, nursery rhymes and stories. They can even use it to record their own voices.
The idea for Oliba first popped into Marc’s head when his godson lost his cuddly toy. Something had to be done to save cuddly toys, children and their parents from this recurring drama. That’s when Marc the entrepreneur met with Pandora the designer. Together they transformed the idea into a prototype which they tested on families, then they modified it and tested again and again until Oliba was completed.
EA: 1 year after the launch, how would you assess this entrepreneurial adventure? 
MF: My daily life revolves around subjects that fascinate me. Developing my own business gives me the means to act every day in very concrete ways: everything is made possible!
EA: Have you ever benefited from the network of EDHEC graduates?
MF: Yes, through exchanges with more experienced graduates!
EA: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
MF: Taking on an entrepreneurial adventure requires 100% commitment... 100% of the time. It is best to begin with an idea you are absolutely convinced will work. In difficult times, only that conviction will allow you to hold your course and have the necessary stamina to see through each step.
EA: What’s next for Oliba?
MF: We are launching our crowdfunding campaign in November. Our objective is to sell at least 1,000 Olibas so we can place the manufacturing order with our industrial partners. The money raised during the campaign will be used to produce Oliba and deliver to all of the families who have pre-ordered.
The following step is the CES in Las Vegas, for which Oliba was chosen among the 22 start-ups representing France.
EA: What are your expectations from the community of EDHEC graduates?
MF: For November: support and publicity for the Oliba project. Beyond that: funds and resources!
> Join the crowdfunding campaign!
Contact
> Website : www.oliba.fr
> Oliba on Facebook
> Oliba on Twitter
> Oliba on Instagram
Marc FORSTER (Master 2008)
CEO – 06 83 14 36 29 – marc@smartycrew.com
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